The Medieval Inquisition attempted, from the end of the 12th century onwards, to combat deviation from the Christian faith through the setting up of tribunals.

In 1478, the Spanish royal family set up the Spanish Inquisition, otherwise known as The Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition. Its purpose was to ensure Catholic orthodoxy in Spanish kingdoms by suppressing and punishing heresy.

The term auto-da-fé (act of faith) was given to the ritual of public penance demanded of heretics.